The Role of Religion
in SHAPING SOCIETY
Those who saw India before 1947 and see it today will clearly notice a major difference between the two periods. In earlier times, moral values were respected, humanity was honoured, and people fulfilled their responsibilities toward each other. Today, these values have largely disappeared. Now, selfishness has replaced humanity. Instead of responsibilities, we only hear noise about rights. Instead of unity, clashes are seen everywhere.
Why did this change occur? The real reason is that earlier, religion had an influence over society; now, politics has taken its place. In the past, religious figures were the leaders of the people. But in the current situation, non-religious figures have taken that role. This experience shows us how important religion is in building and shaping society.
What is the work of religion? Basically, it lifts a person from the level of materialism and helps them live on the level of spirituality. When spirituality enters a person, they automatically become free from selfishness and pride. Love replaces hatred in their heart. They begin to see all human beings as their own. They develop the attitude of giving more than taking. And any society where such feelings arise will surely become a society of peace and brotherhood.
Today, political movements dominate across the world. Every newspaper and public gathering echoes with political slogans. In the past, religious and spiritual movements were stronger. Religious figures were the centres of communities and teachers of people. Because of the influence of religion, positive human traditions were established. These traditions shaped the way the world operated—until a new age arrived and broke those traditions.
Politics always works through conflict. Religion is based on love. That’s why today, when politics dominates society, the natural result is tension and mutual hostility. In contrast, when religion dominated, society nurtured love and humanity.
Take, for example, some major religions.
Hinduism is an ancient religion. Its central idea is Advaitvad (non-dualism). Setting aside its philosophical side, this idea created in people the belief that the difference between “me” and “you” is temporary—in reality, we are one.
This religious idea taught people that if I am right, someone else can also be right in their own way. In this way, Hinduism encouraged a mindset that we now call secularism. And from a practical point of view, there is no better idea for a shared society than secularism.
Secularism promotes the idea of co-existence, and living together peacefully is essential for building and shaping society. The influence of this mindset was so strong in Indian society that people of every religion were welcomed here. No one was opposed simply for their faith. That’s why India today has large populations from every religion living together in harmony.
Buddhism arose largely in protest against ritualism and idol worship. It emphasised inner values over outer appearances. It taught that the greatest virtue is to treat other human beings well.
The spread of Buddhism developed a culture of humility, simplicity, modesty, and love for peace. It brought about a strong moral revolution. The effects of this are clearly visible in countries where Buddhism spread—such as Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. In these places, the people are known for their peaceful nature, humility, and obedience—largely because of Buddhist influence.
Christianity has deeply rooted values of love for humanity and service to others. This, too, comes from its religious teachings. Prophet Jesus never spoke about politics or clashed with the ruling government. He said: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
This attitude helped Christianity nurture traditions of human love and service. As a result, Christian communities developed a mindset that avoided conflict with rulers and focused on serving people. These qualities are visible in India and elsewhere. In fact, Christian nations have contributed the most to social service in the modern world.
Islam puts the greatest emphasis on Tawheed—the oneness of God. In Islam, all greatness belongs to God alone. He is the only one who is great. All human beings are equal. As one Hadith says: “All human beings are God’s family.” (Musnad al-Bazzar, Hadith No. 6947)
From this belief came the idea of human equality. Not just Muslims, but other people too were influenced by this movement of equality. Around the world, the idea of equality became widely accepted. History shows that before Islam, the concept of superior and inferior races was dominant. Society was divided into upper and lower classes. The intellectual revolution brought by Islam ended this era of inequality and brought the concept of equality into the flow of history.
It is a historical fact that the role of religion in building and shaping society has always been positive. Denying the constructive role of religion is not possible.
All India Radio, New Delhi, 12 January 1996.
